The Altra Escalante 4 SW is a special edition of the popular Escalante 4 running shoe, featuring a collaboration with Smartwool to incorporate a Merino wool blend upper. Design and Materials Fit and Comfort Performance Durability Aesthetic Appeal Considerations Special Circumstances I decided to take the Escalante 4 SW on a short trip to Asia…
Category: Shoe Reviews
A Sleek Minimalist Shoe for All Occasions
NOTE: I reviewed the original LEMs Shoes Nine2Five over a decade ago. I also wore it for multiple European vacations over the course of two years since then and put over 500+ miles on them. It was my favorite travel casual minimalist shoe, period. So, when I heard about the next version over a decade…
Shoes That Minimalist Runners Buy From Xero Shoes
Ever since I started Wear Tested Gear Review (formerly Minimalist Running Shoes) in 2010 and the Natural Running Center (with Dr. Mark Cucuzzella), both our websites have referred runners and shoppers to Xero Shoes among the few minimalist and barefoot shoe manufacturers like VIVOBAREFOOT, LEMs Shoes, Topo Athletic, Altra Running, and Carets. Why Wear Minimalist…
Strengthen Your Feet and Enhance Performance with VIVOBAREFOOT Motus Flex
A multi-part series on Proprioception for Runners.Part 1 – Master Proprioception to Run Injury-Free and StrongerPart 2 – Strengthen Your Feet and Enhance Performance with VIVOBAREFOOT Motus FlexPart 3 – Improve Your Proprioception in Weeks with Minimalist Shoe Training Now that you understand how important proprioception is for runners, let’s look at the latest next-generation…
New LEMs Shoes Fall Styles Coming Soon!
Heads up! The new LEMs Shoes Fall styles are coming soon. Choose from the grippy (LEMs Shoes slip-resistant GRIP outsole) models like Chukka and Drifter providing traction on various surfaces, ensuring you stay steady and secure. Plus the leather version of Primal Zen – joining vegan mesh and suede versions. And my all-time favorite LEMs…
Unleash Your Feet: Primal 3 Redefines Comfort with Game-Changing Balanced Weight Distribution
The LEMs Shoes Primal 3 is an all-new iteration of the popular Primal series, maintaining many of the signature features of the Primal 2, such as a zero-drop platform, wide toe box, and flat, flexible design. These shoes are designed to provide a natural, healthy fit for your feet, with a straight last that allows…
LEMs Shoes Bestseller: Chelsea Boot Waterproof
The LEMs Shoes Chelsea Boot Waterproof is a minimalist, zero-drop, and wide-toe boot that offers comfort, durability, and versatility. It is made of full-grain oiled leather with a waterproof membrane and a 9.5mm LemsRubber outsole. It is easy to slip on, lightweight, and packable. It can handle various terrains and weather conditions (just in time…
Introducing LEMs Shoes new GRIP outsole
What is LEMs Shoes GRIP Slip-Resistant outsole? An all-terrain and slip-resistant, non-marking rubber outsole that utilizes zig-zag grooves and grippy textures to ensure your feet remain grounded in slippery situations. This innovative outsole features siping (thin slits across the surface) grooves designed specifically to combat traction in wet and slippery conditions, just like your winter…
Introducing Carets ARES Derby Boots
The ARES Derby Boot are dress boots from Carets new AURELIUS collection – ARES are the first models. AURELIUS is the culmination of what Carets have learned since 2012 about creating barefoot dress shoes with exceptional styling, craftsmanship, and the barefoot fit and features you expect so your feet can move naturally. Key Differences :…
Great Fall 2023 shoes & boots from LEMs Shoes, Xero Shoes and VIVOBAREFOOT
The most popular question friends and family ask about at this time of the year is, “What are the features of natural or barefoot boots & shoes that make them great for the fall & winter seasons?“. Here are some of the features based on our decade of wear testing natural & barefoot shoes for…
Xero Shoes Fall 2023 New Shoes
Watch the video explaining the new products on Xero Shoes and Sign up for their VIP list to receive early access to sale prices… (they often run out of some sizes and colors immediately). Enter to win one of TEN (10) $100 Gift Certificates on XeroShoes.com
Dress up with the new leather LEMs Shoes KOURT
For those who owned and loved the Chillum, the new LEMS Shoes KOURT can be called its new leather counterpart. Built on the same outsole as the Chillum, the KOURT is a full-grain leather lace-up shoe. Take it anywhere, everywhere, dress up, dress down – the perfect choice for travel and getaways. The Kourt is…
Vivobarefoot Latest Mens & Womens Collection
Don’t miss out on the latest barefoot shoes and minimalist footwear from VIVOBAREFOOT! Strong healthy feet are wide with toes that splay outwards. This is their natural, stable shape which can be lost if squeezed into tight, restrictive shoes for a long time, eventually taking on the pointed shape of shoes. See the rest of…
Fall/Winter 2022 Xero Shoes
Courtesy of Xero Shoes Xero Shoes Forza Trainer Power and stability start by connecting your feet to the ground. The Forza Trainer’s instep “lock down” strap gives that connection. The bootie-style construction and silky smooth lining not only make your workouts more comfortable than ever but could make the Forza Trainer your all-day, everyday shoe….
LEMs Shoes Fall 2022 Collection
The latest styles from LEMs Shoes for Fall 2022
The Altra Running Gift Guide 2022
Give the gift of discovery, adventure, and comfort. Use this guide to find the perfect gift for every runner (and non-runner) in your life.
Calm & Relaxation with the LEMs Primal Zen
The successor to the LEMs Primal 2, the Primal Zen has been in the works for ten long years… The Primal Zen offers the same minimalist casual shoe that is vegan-friendly and zero-drop (0mm), but with some added cushion (2mm) and a more grounded base. Its newly designed outsole guarantees that ultra-light fit and feel…
Ninja Warrior Jessie Graff is Xero Shoes newest Brand Ambassador
When she’s not barefoot, Jessie wears Xero Shoes to protect her feet from the elements and for the freedom of movement and ground-feel they provide!
Train hard with the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III
Train hard while treading lightly on the planet. The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III is their latest hero trainer and its minimalist design lets your feet move in the most natural way possible. Start building strength for every run, walk and workout… Made from recycled materials (free from animal products and vegan), reusing post-consumer plastic waste…
Introducing Deckers X Lab…
Deckers X Lab is brought to you from the minds of HOKA ONE ONE, Teva, and UGG – a natural evolution of the Deckers Brands Innovation Team
Chilling with the LEMs CHILLUM
A lace-up kicking-around-town and enjoying-a-drink-with-good-friends kind of shoe.
May the Speed Force Be With You
A racer (light & zero drop) that will definitely will give your legs a full workout or a personal best in any distance
Going green with the VIVOBAREFOOT Primus Lite II Bio
The Primus Bio is a re-engineered version of the famous Primus Lite made using a corn-based, vegan biopolymer.
VIVOBAREFOOT Primus Swim Run Boot SG for rain and snow
Primus Swimrun Hi, recycled plastic bottles to create a breathable mesh, paired with quick-drain zones to minimize water-weight. The over-ankle, neoprene collar keeps the foot firmly in place, while the extra-sticky Soft Ground sole features high-profile lugs for loose and muddy terrains.